On the market for a new set of kitchen shears? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve scoured the internet for the absolute best ones you can buy. But first, let’s talk about why you really do need a good pair of shears in your life:

Kitchen Shears vs. Regular Scissors

Cooking dinner shouldn't be complicated

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Plenty of them have extra features that make cooking easier (you’ll see that in a minute), but the most basic versions are heavy-duty scissors that are better able to stand up to tough kitchen tasks, like cutting through meat and bone.

Best All-Around

This Wüsthof product lives up to the hype. According to the company, these shears will do everything from “parting a whole chicken to cutting pizza to snipping delicate herbs.”

Reviewers say they’re sharp, easy to clean, and even easier to use.

“I absolutely love these,” one reviewer says. “I have arthritis in my hands and I find it very difficult to open bottles easily. These are ideal. I am getting these as a gift to my sister, who is also elderly and is having difficulty opening bottles.”

“Why aren't all kitchen shears like this?” asks another. “I love it that they pull apart for ease of cleaning.”

Honorable Mention

Every cook needs quality all-purpose shears, and if you’re on the market for a pair, your search ends here.

Granted, there’s not a lot of bells and whistles. But these are affordable, durable, and totally functional—what more does a home cook need?

“These shears are nice and sharp and they operate smoothly,” according to one reviewer. “They hold up to every day abuse and go through the dishwasher!”

Another reviewer echoes the praise: “These shears are super durable, I use them for everything. I do not have any complaints at all, mine are still going strong despite being dropped, washed often, and used for a multitude of things in the kitchen.”